740.0011 European War 1939/1973: Telegram
The Minister in Denmark (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 5—11:21 p.m.]
55. From a usually reliable source I am informed that in the face of opposition from the German General Staff and other advisers, Hitler gave his personal orders yesterday for embarkation of one division at Baltic port probably Stettin on 10 steamers. His plan is that these ships proceed by night through Danish waters and thereafter as secretly as possible up the Norwegian coast to Narvik disembarking troops there Tuesday. If this occupation of Narvik takes place as planned, Jutland is to be occupied by German troops immediately thereafter. There is to be, however, no violation of Sweden’s neutrality.
My informant pointed out that it is possible even after the troops are embarked, Hitler may be prevailed upon by his advisers to cancel orders for steamers sailing from Stettin.
[Page 142]I have not heard of any extended concentration of German troops on Danish frontier but my British colleague advises me in discussing the Italian situation that rumors have reached them of German loquacity pointing towards early occupation of Jutland.